ТRICHINELLOSIS IN HUMANS IN PAZARDZHIK PROVINCE  (1990-2024)

Background: Trichinellosis is а parasitic disease acquired by ingestion of raw or undercooked meat infected with Trichinella larvae. The incidence of trichinellosis has decreased in the country for the last fifteen years. The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of trichinellosis in humans in Pazardzhik Province (in the south-central Bulgaria) for the period 1990-2024. Material and methods: Data for this retrospective cross-sectional study were obtained from epidemiological studies and annual reports of the Laboratory of Medical Parasitology at Regional Health Inspectorate – Pazardzhik, as well as personal observations of patients with trichinellosis. Results: A total of 472 infected persons and 16 outbreaks were registered in the province for the studied 34-year period. Most of the outbreaks were registered between 1990 and 2000, the last one occured in 2024. The source of infection was pork, wild boar meat or it was unknown but trichinoscopy of the meat was not done before consumption. Most affected were adults – 391 cases (82,8%) and city residents – 307 cases (65%). One hundred twenty-five (38%) patients had anti-Trichinella IgG when they were diagnosed with trichinellosis. Conclusions: Trichinellosis remains a parasitic disease of medical importance for Pazardzhik Province. Awareness about the disease should be raised among doctors, population, especially in potentially endemic villages with registered outbreaks, pig farmers and hunters. When a case of trichinellosis is diagnosed, a detailed history can detect the source of infection. Мeat inspection plays a significant role in preventing trichinellosis.